If there are any topics you would like to see discussed in the future or if you have any comments, please contact me at JoeT@HighCaliber.com
Bullet Points
VoIP / Hosted PBX
This month, we will be installing a new phone system here at High Caliber. Instead of
using conventional line cords and connecting them to phone jacks, we will be using
Ethernet patch cords and jacks to connect our phones to a T1 line, which in turn will
connect us to a giant phone switch or PBX located off premises. Doing this has many
advantages including:
Reduced up-front and monthly costs
Enhanced call-control features that increase productivity
Ability to run our business from anywhere, even if our building is not accessible
The number of features is astounding:
Receiving Calls
Call Forwarding – Always, Busy, No Answer, Selective, Ring Splash, Remote Access
Call Hold
Call Notify
Call Screening by Digit Pattern
Call Trace
Call Waiting and Cancel Call
Waiting Per Call
Distinctive and Priority
Alert/Ringing
Call Pickup
Call Control
Do Not Disturb
Remote Office
Selective and Anonymous
Call Rejection
Shared Call Appearance
Hunt Groups, Series Completion
Music On Hold
Messaging
Voice mail, Email Delivery of Voice mail
Personal Greetings and Name
Recordings
Voice Messaging Callback
Voice Message Waiting
Configurable Extension Dialing
Device Inventory
Department Support
MS Outlook Integration
Printable Group Directory
Placing Calls
Call Return and Last Number Redial
Extension Dialing
Account Codes
Authorization Codes
Auto Attendant
Attendant Console
I will keep you up to date on how this all works out.
Top 6 Security Concerns
Here, then, are the top 6 issues that small businesses face in their efforts to secure their information,
according to recent research:
Lack of a crisis management plan.
When was the last time you thought about business continuity?
Unreliable backup procedures and technology.
How many of you test your backups regularly and religiously move backups off premises?
No written policies and procedures.
Email and web use, handling of laptops and portable storage devices. Password construction and resets.
All of this and more needs to be clearly defined. Without clear leadership, employees can’t be expected to understand or care.
Too much emphasis on isolated aspects of security.
What good is a strong firewall if someone can simply walk in and out with backup tapes?
Employee access.
Employees connecting from non-secure computers at home represent just as much of a threat as if they had malicious intentions.
Software patches.
Many vulnerabilities are exploited because software is not up to date. You
are paying good money for it, so why not have the latest version?
Give us a call if you would like a security audit done on your network.
Computer Hygiene
Keeping your desktop and laptop computers free of grunge will allow them to operate cooler,
thus extending their useful life. This article shows you in great detail how to keep things clean:
As most of you already know, our InSite service plans stress proactive maintenance as
a way to increase uptime and equipment life. PC hygiene is just one small part of these programs.
How To Select a Printer
Nice basic tutorial on the various types of printers on the market right now:
Software piracy is getting riskier. Microsoft filed 26 new lawsuits in July--the largest number of
cases ever in a single month. Find out how the risks of piracy are intensifying with increased
enforcement, education, and advances in engineering:
All of us know how to search for web pages containing a word or phrase using Google.
But are you getting the most out of Google's powerful search capabilities? You can
use advanced operators to find only what you're looking for and avoid wading through
a bunch of irrelevant links. Use this Quick Reference "cheat sheet" to help you refine
your searches:
